Ning Fa thought for a moment and said, "Fellow Daoist Heavenly Treasure, this matter is too sudden. Could you give me some time to consider it carefully? You'll be by my side for a long time anyway."
"Certainly," the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant nodded.
"Father, I don't want to be an Immortal Descendant!"
Le'er, peeking from behind Ning Fa, revealed her small head and said fearfully in a low voice.
Ning Fa pulled her into his embrace, his face filled with affection. "Le'er, don't worry. As long as you don't want to, I won't let anyone force you."
A surge of pride also rose within Ning Fa.
What was wrong with being an Immortal Descendant?
He possessed the top-tier Great Five Elements Thunder Body, which was the most supreme spiritual body even in the Spirit Realm.
Its potential was so high that even these seemingly formidable Immortal Descendants would likely be unable to compare.
Then, Ning Fa looked at Zhu Lingyun and sent a telepathic message to explain, "Lingyun, many things happened while you were asleep.
I've also made powerful enemies, including cultivators at the Nascent Soul stage. That's why I wanted you all to use that teleportation array to go to the Nine Dragons Sea, and why I hired Fellow Daoist Heavenly Treasure.
As for the details, I'll tell you slowly later."
Zhu Lingyun nodded gently, but as she looked at Le'er in Ning Fa's arms, a hint of worry appeared in her eyes.
"Right, where are the others?" Ning Fa asked again.
"They're all on the island. This place is a bit special; you'll know when you see it."
Ning Fa nodded, and then the group flew towards the island.
Le'er sat on Ning Fa's shoulder again, playfully calling out to the blue young dragon that was only daring to show its head above the sea below, "Ah Da, come back quickly, we're going home."
The young dragon immediately roared and, enveloped in a blue light, shrunk to the size of a palm. It then coiled around Le'er's fair arm.
At this moment, Luo Feixuan also quietly flew over. She looked again at Zhu Lingyun, who was communicating with Ning Fa via divine sense. Although her expression was calm, the ripples in her eyes had not subsided.
At this point, Ning Fa also learned the detailed situation of their teleportation from Zhu Lingyun.
Just as Hei Yu had said before, after they teleported, Wen Xiuxin suddenly attacked, using the restrictions in the hall of the teleportation array to trap everyone.
At this moment, Zhu Lingyun sensed the danger and forcibly awoke. She used the powerful secret technique from the complete version of the Primordial Soul Splitting Art she cultivated to kill Wen Xiuxin.
Then, Zhu Lingyun used a special magical disk obtained from Wen Xiuxin to control the hall of the Profound Fire Sect. From there, she obtained crucial information that pointed to this special spiritual island.
It was clear that Wen Xiuxin might have known about this place long ago, which was likely the main reason for her sudden attack – she wanted to monopolize this island.
By then, everyone had flown to the island. Ning Fa looked at the giant spiritual mountain that was now within reach and felt the astonishing spiritual energy washing over him. His heart stirred. This was clearly a place left by the Profound Fire Sect for him to take refuge, or perhaps a foundation for rebuilding.
Not only was the spiritual脉 of this island itself excellent, but its location was also deep within the Qianmo Sea, making it difficult to find even for Nascent Soul cultivators.
Ning Fa's heart was captivated by the sight of the spiritual island. This was the perfect location for his sect and family in the future.
Especially considering the conversations between the Demon Lord and Fairy Yuanxing, it seemed the world would not be peaceful from now on. Such a place would be like a paradise, an existence beyond the mortal realm.
As if sensing Ning Fa's thoughts, Zhu Lingyun reminded him, "This place is not as simple as you think. That spiritual mountain is protected by extremely powerful restrictions.
From my observation, if these restrictions are forcefully broken, it's highly likely to directly detonate the spiritual meridians within the island, causing this island to vanish into nothingness.
Ning Fa's eyes narrowed. Zhu Lingyun was an array master, and if she found it extremely troublesome, it definitely meant the array was extraordinary.
However, he was not worried, as he still had the Star Roaming Compass, a bane to arrays.
At this moment, Ning Fa's speed slowed down as he arrived at the foot of the spiritual mountain.
The mountain towered into the clouds, and from its mid-section, more than ten peaks branched out, encircling a central main peak like stars surrounding the moon.
However, the entire spiritual mountain was enveloped in a spiritual energy shield that resembled crimson flames, and one could feel the terrifying spiritual power contained within.
Near the foot of the mountain, there were several wooden houses, and several figures emerged from them upon hearing the commotion.
Ning Fa looked around and couldn't help but show a relieved smile.
Cheng Susu, Ning An, Ning Shaohong, Wei Shiqin, Meng Ruoqi, Yun Ying, Ning Huarong.
Upon seeing Ning Fa slowly descending before them, these individuals were also extremely excited. One graceful figure had already rushed into Ning Fa's embrace.
"Husband, you're finally here..." Cheng Susu said, tears streaming down her face.
Ning Fa held her tightly, then embraced the other women, including Ning Shaohong, one by one.
Although these confidantes might be the biggest obstacle between him and Zhu Lingyun, he could not abandon them for her.
Zhu Lingyun watched quietly from the side, her expression calm and serene.
At this moment, Le'er zipped over to her and whispered in her ear, "Mother, are you angry because Father has so many aunts?"
Le'er then sighed with an old, mature air, "Father is indeed a bit too much of a playboy, but these aunts are all very good to Le'er, and Brother Ning An dotes on Le'er the most. Mother, please don't be angry with Father, okay?"
After speaking, Le'er looked at Zhu Lingyun with her big eyes, clearly a little nervous.
Zhu Lingyun smiled and stroked her head, saying nothing.
"Father." Ning An also came before Ning Fa and cupped his hands in a salute.
After a long absence, Ning An had now advanced to the middle stage of Core Formation, a speed that was truly astonishing.
Ning Fa patted his shoulder with satisfaction and then looked to the side.
Ning Huarong stood with her arms crossed, looking at him askance.
She was dressed in a striking purple and black hunting outfit that perfectly accentuated her tall, slender figure. Her long, light purple hair was eye-catching, and her expression remained as defiant as ever.
Her cultivation had also advanced to the late Core Formation stage, even nearing the peak.
Ning Fa sized her up. This was the first time he had seen Ning Huarong since returning to Cangyuan.
Previously, Ning Huarong had voluntarily joined the Yuan Chan Sect to protect her family from Huangfu Hong's revenge.
Later, after Ning Fa had killed Huangfu Hong, he had intended to bring Ning Huarong back, but the Void Yuan Hermit had taken it upon himself to handle the matter.
Then, Ning Fa went into seclusion, fought a great battle with the Heavenly Li Sea Tribe, and subsequently entered the Abyssal Heavenly Pool, never getting a chance to see her.
"Not bad. It seems you're not far from attempting to break through to Nascent Soul. I'll help you get an Infant Transformation Pill when the time comes," Ning Fa said with a smile.
"Okay, I won't take it for free. I'll sleep with you a few times. It just so happens that a secret technique I'm cultivating now is beneficial for forming a Nascent Soul, and it requires dual cultivation," Ning Huarong said nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders.
The smile on Ning Fa's face froze.
This demoness was still the same demoness, never minding the occasion when she spoke. Couldn't she have said this in private?
He quickly glanced at the calmly composed Zhu Lingyun, a helpless smile forming in his heart. This was undoubtedly adding another layer of difficulty.
Ning Shaohong and the others also wore strange expressions.
"Let's go. We should check the restrictions on this mountain," Ning Fa said, clearing his throat, and immediately flew forward.
Soon, Ning Fa arrived before the mountain. He could see a winding jade path leading upwards within the light barrier, with some magnificent palaces scattered around.
Just as Ning Fa was about to take out the Star Roaming Compass, Liu Ying's voice suddenly echoed in his ear:
"I'm somewhat familiar with the aura of this restriction shield. Fellow Daoist Ning, why don't you try using the Five Flames Lamp?"
Ning Fa's heart stirred. With a flash of spiritual light before him, an ancient oil lamp appeared, and a graceful figure floated out from within – it was Liu Ying.
She carefully examined the restriction light barrier ahead, then casually plucked a lamp flower from the Five Flames Lamp and sent it floating towards the barrier.
The restriction light barrier ahead rippled like water, then slowly opened a passage about ten feet high.
Ning Fa couldn't help but smile. This was an unexpected delight. He hadn't expected the Five Flames Lamp to have such high authority over the restrictions of this spiritual mountain.
Zhu Lingyun, who had been calm all this time, now looked at Ning Fa with surprise.
"Everyone else wait for me. I'll go in and investigate with Fellow Daoist Tianbao," Ning Fa said, turning around. He then flew into the passage with the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant.
Upon entering, the pure spiritual energy, several times denser than outside, immediately surged towards them. Ning Fa was overjoyed. This was definitely a fourth-tier high-grade spiritual vein, possibly even close to a quasi-fifth-tier spiritual vein.
He could see numerous palaces on this spiritual mountain, though many of them seemed to be only half-finished. However, this did not hinder them.
As they proceeded, they found no cultivators, only some spirit beasts, but their ranks were at most third-tier.
Soon, the two arrived at the mountainside, where a massive platform stood with over a dozen passages leading to different peaks.
Each entrance had a signpost, listing names like the Profound Fire Hall, Spirit Forging Hall, Hundred Wonders Hall, Spirit Beast Hall...
At this moment, Liu Ying looked towards a mountain peak on the right. He could see the peak enveloped in rolling crimson light, causing the surrounding void to warp slightly, indicating extremely high temperatures.
"Fellow Daoist Ning, there should be some high-level fire-attribute materials there, which might be very useful for the Five Flames Lamp."
Ning Fa's expression shifted. Judging by the signpost leading to this peak, it was the Spirit Forging Hall, seemingly related to artifact refining.
Coupled with the previously discovered blueprints for forging complete Heaven-Taming Spirit Treasures in the Profound Fire Hall, it was possible that the Profound Fire Sect intended to forge Heaven-Taming Spirit Treasures here.
"Let's go to the Spirit Forging Hall first and find the overall control restriction of this mountain," Ning Fa decided.
Soon, Ning Fa and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant arrived at the summit of the main peak of this mountain, which housed the Profound Fire Hall.
It was a majestic and magnificent palace complex, entirely constructed from a reddish jade, exuding a powerful aura.
There were additional restrictions here as well, but Ning Fa, holding the Five Flames Lamp, passed through unhindered.
Soon, Ning Fa and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant entered a secluded palace.
Inside the hall, there was a massive crimson sphere of light, from which dense array patterns emanated, integrating into the void and emitting powerful array fluctuations. Clearly, this was the overall restriction of the mountain.
In front of this crimson sphere was a stone platform, upon which rested a crimson circular disk – the overall restriction pháp bàn.
Ning Fa took it into his hand, a smile appearing on his face. With this, the mountain was naturally under his control.
He first sent a sound transmission talisman, signaling for those outside the mountain to enter, and then he and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant immediately flew towards the Spirit Forging Hall.
Not long after, the two arrived inside the mountain.
This was a vast space containing a fire pool over a thousand feet wide, with molten lava churning within. The heat radiating from it even made Ning Fa feel somewhat uncomfortable.
Within this fire pool, he could see a fire crane, a fire deer, and a fire wolf leisurely bathing.
Upon seeing Ning Fa and the others, their small faces immediately showed fear, and they dove back into the fire pool with a whoosh.
Ning Fa's eyes gleamed. These were not spirit beasts but transformed magical treasures.
Or, more accurately, they should be magical treasure components that had now taken the form of spirit beasts, clearly having developed sentience.
These are extremely rare and valuable materials, which speaks to their preciousness.
Even the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant, who had maintained a calm demeanor, glanced at them a few more times before returning to their usual composure.
Liuying's eyes lit up with excitement, "They really are spiritual materials! With these, and if I can get my hands on some other high-grade fire-attribute materials, even if the Five Flames Lamp can't be upgraded to a Celestial Spirit Treasure, we might be able to forge an ultimate spirit treasure that's just below that level."
After speaking, Liuying looked at Ning Fa with longing. The Five Flames Lamp was extremely compatible with her, and if it could be improved further, it would greatly benefit her.
Ning Fa couldn't help but smile. This was an unexpected surprise.
"Liuying, now is not the time. Let me deal with the trouble outside of myself first."
With that, Ning Fa and the Heavenly Treasure Immortal Merchant left the area.
Not long after, everyone reconvened in the main hall of the Profound Fire Hall.
Ning Fa sat at the head seat, a broad smile on his face.
This spiritual mountain was truly a priceless treasure. After only a brief exploration, he had discovered astonishing resources within these spirit peaks, far beyond what an ordinary Nascent Soul sect could imagine. After all, the Profound Fire Sect had previously been a Soul Transformation sect, and now it had all fallen into his hands.
Everyone else also wore expressions of joy.
Then, Ning Fa instructed everyone to explore the spiritual mountain on their own, while he and Zhu Lingyun went to a nearby side hall for a private discussion.
He explained his situation in broad strokes and then said gravely, "Lingyun, as I just mentioned, because of the Abyssal Heavenly Pool incident, I've already attracted the attention of those Soul Transformation elders. The trouble is significant, and anyone associated with me is also in danger. Since this place exists and is very hidden, you should stay here for the time being. This will also give you a chance to cultivate that Primordial Soul Splitting Art. Here is the master control disk for this mountain. Take it. I cannot stay here for too long, lest I attract those old monsters. Also, that teleportation array, you can help Ruo Qi with it and try to get it set up again. Ruo Qi has already told me the required spiritual materials, and I will try my best to acquire them as soon as possible. Of course, even if you manage to set it up, you absolutely cannot activate it yet."
Ning Fa finished speaking and handed the crimson disk to Zhu Lingyun. It wasn't that he was showing favoritism; after he left, Zhu Lingyun would be the highest-ranked person present, making it more appropriate for her to keep it.
Zhu Lingyun hesitated for a moment before accepting the disk and saying, "Be careful too."
Ning Fa smiled and was about to say something else when Le'er suddenly zipped into the hall. "Father, Father, I found a fun place over there! Come on, I'll take you!"
Ning Fa patted her little head, placed her on his shoulder, and vanished like a bolt of lightning.